Imagine a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic basil, and golden, crispy crust in every single bite. This Garlic Basil Tomato Pie is not just a recipe; it's a celebration of fresh ingredients that transforms simple components into a spectacular dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress at a summer gathering or craving a delightful meal that screams comfort and flavor, this Italian-inspired pie is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 3 cups ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the middle of the oven.
- Prepare the pie crust by rolling it out and placing it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively. If using a pre-made crust, ensure it's at room temperature.
- Slice the ripe tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the tomato slices on paper towels to absorb excess moisture, which prevents the pie from becoming soggy.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic with chopped fresh basil. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Layer the tomato slices in the pie crust, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle the garlic-basil mixture over the tomatoes.
- Season the tomatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the cheese and tomatoes to add richness and help the pie brown nicely.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves before serving. Slice into 6 equal portions and serve warm.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most vibrant tomatoes you can find - they're the star of this dish!
- Always drain tomato slices on paper towels to prevent a soggy crust - this is a crucial step for pie perfection.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't skip the olive oil drizzle - it adds a beautiful golden finish and extra richness.
- Let the pie rest after baking to allow the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves before serving.
- This pie is best enjoyed warm, but it can also be a delicious room temperature appetizer or side dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
